LEDGER FORUM: Writer has trouble with Amalfi’s plan

   This letter is to express concerns about plans for the expansion of Amalfi’s Restaurant on Lawrenceville-Pennington Road. As a long time resident and home owner in the community, I am dismayed by actions of the township zoning board and council leaders in connection with the proposed addition to the current facility and the approval of the sale of alcoholic beverages in this residential community.
   First, I want to state that my concerns are not against the remodeling or reasonable upgrades to the restaurant. My family, friends and neighbors have been attracted to the innovative menu and pleasant atmosphere that has existed since it was the site of the original Buxton’s Dairy Bar restaurant. The expansion however, calls for tripling the dining room space, adding a cocktail bar and over 100 parking spaces. Mature trees and open grass fields will be removed to put up a large building and parking lot. The expansion will create one of the largest commercial facilities of this type in the township. The plan is designed to move beyond serving local clientele to becoming a destination facility that will attract large-scale parties and late night revelers. It will most certainly erode the current residential ambiance of the area.
   The application before the zoning board seeks waivers from the Environmental Impact Statement, circulation studies, tree protection plans and all other regulations that are in place to protect and preserve the aesthetic and environmental qualities for which Lawrence is known. These ordinances should not be compromised.
   My other concern is the recent approval by township council of the transfer of a commercial liquor license to the restaurant. This key decision was made without prior review or input from tax paying area residents who are concerned about the welfare of their families. I would (and did) not choose to reside or raise my children across from a huge restaurant and bar. While the current owner says his interest is only to provide beverage service to the restaurant customers, there is no assurance that the facility won’t evolve into a full-scale cocktail lounge and catering hall. Our property values and quality of residential life will suffer by this decision.
   I have noted with interest the township efforts to preserve the quality of life in other parts of our township — most notably the Carson Woods acquisition and the disallowance of the conversion of a property to a senior facility. I urge our elected and appointed officials to carefully review this project and give attention to the future development of my neighborhood as well.

Benjamin J. Colbert
Lawrenceville-Pennington Road